Lebanon-based Omar Bakri Muhammad warned McCartney that "he will not be safe" in Israel [where] sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him."

McCartney's decision to perform in Israel makes him "the enemy of every Muslim," the Islamist said in an interview in Britain's Sunday Express tabloid.

"Instead of supporting the people of Palestine in their suffering, McCartney is celebrating the atrocities of the occupiers," he said.

By doing so, he is "creating more enemies than friends," Bakri said.

McCartney said while shocked by the threats, he would not be intimidated.

"I was approached by different groups and political bodies who asked me not to come here [to Israel]," he said, "[but] I refused. I do what I think and I have many friends who support Israel," he said.

Syrian-born Bakri, 48, lives in Lebanon after being banned from returning to Britain.